- Joao Pedro signs an 8-year deal with Chelsea worth £60 million.
- He’s available to play Saturday vs Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-final.
- Pedro scored 30 goals in 70 games for Brighton after joining from Watford in 2023.
- Chelsea’s £55m offer for Jamie Gittens was accepted, but he’s not eligible for the Club World Cup.
- Delap, Sarr, and Essugo joined Chelsea earlier and were registered on time.
- Brighton’s coach calls it a beneficial move and says Pedro can now focus on the Champions League and Brazil call-up hopes.
Chelsea’s latest signing, Joao Pedro, could step onto the pitch for the Blues in their Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras after finalising his switch from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Brazilian forward, aged 23, has signed a long-term contract lasting eight years, with the transfer costing Chelsea a total of £60 million.
Pedro made his way from Brazil to the United States to complete his medical tests. With everything cleared, he is now available for selection in Saturday’s fixture, scheduled for 02:00 BST in Philadelphia.
Pedro came through the Fluminense youth system before making his name in England. After his move from Watford to Brighton in 2023 for just under £30 million, he went on to score 30 goals in 70 games, becoming one of Brighton’s top performers.
Expressing his excitement, Pedro said, “This club has a big name and a great story. Legends have played here, and great players are still here. I’m happy to be part of it. At Chelsea, the goal is always the same – to win.”
Chelsea also made headlines by having their £55 million bid accepted for English winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
However, the 20-year-old won’t be eligible to play in the Club World Cup since he already featured for Dortmund in the competition earlier.
Before the tournament started, Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr, and Dario Essugo completed their transfers to Chelsea and were successfully registered for the group stages of the tournament.
Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, praised the transfer as a win for everyone.
“It’s a smart deal financially, and we have plenty of options in that area. It’s also a big chance for Joao-Champions League football awaits him, and this could help him lock in a spot for Brazil at next year’s World Cup.”
